Archive for January, 2013

Have you ever made a bad hire? Me too. And while painful–for all involved–as with anything, we can learn important lessons from the missteps we make. We can also learn from the missteps of others. Over the years I’ve learned both through the research I’ve done in writing hundreds of business articles and a number of books on HR-related topics, including recruitment and hiring and, of course, from my own experiences. A reporter recently asked me for some insights about what are the biggest “hiring missteps” I’ve observed. Here’s what I shared: (more…)

“Creativity has been and always will be at the heart of our brands. It fuels our business – with consumers, customers, fans, agencies and partners all over the world,” says Joseph Tripodi, Executive VP, CMO and CCO of The Coca-Cola Company.

Branding Magazine as well as other companies and people around the world consider Coca-Cola as one of the most recognized brands. In addition to ensuring a high quality product and positive consumer experiences across multiple touch points, every year, Coca-Cola spends billions of dollars on creative, hilarious, and inspiring advertisements. Branding, as we’ve discussed extends far beyond the logo and company colors. However, those elements are key in connecting with consumers over time and keeping your name front and center–and recognized!

Coca-Cola’s simple, colorful design, has done just that. It’s proven to be extremely effective in making connections with consumers to market the company, and its products, literally around the world.

So how do you cement your brand in the minds of your market as Coca-Cola has? Follow these three C’s. (more…)

In the generation of the iPhone, Apple users are always looking for new, interesting, and most importantly, free apps to explore. Joining the popular Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram is Foursquare, a check-in app and website that makes the most of where you go. FourSquare, like many social media options is “fun,” but it’s also a practical option for businesses hoping to connect with various audiences. (more…)

What have you posted on your social media sites lately? Anything substantial? Anything risky? Anything controversial or challenging that you thought might provoke a response–even a contrary response–from your audience?

A key to engaging with audiences online and encouraging interaction with them is provoking an emotion: making them care. In the process you reveal something about who you are and what you believe in. Regardless of the business you’re in, the first thing that your potential customers do when seeking information on products or services they may be interested in is (more…)

A good place to keep your clients, customers, and employees engaged is online. Interaction is key, and a critical element of keeping people engaged and interested. You can do this on social networks, blogs, emails, and websites.

Here’s an example that comes from an intern of mine, who reached out and tweeted to a company that makes an interesting Mac app. (more…)

We’re a week into the New Year and, by now, you’ve likely started–or at least considered starting–to work on your New Year’s resolutions. How are you doing so far? Have you started the diet you planned on sticking to? Are you getting out of the old habits you were stuck in? Did you begin something new? From a business standpoint are you making progress on any resolutions that will lead to your desired level of success in 2013?

If not, you must know it’s never to late to start something new! And we have a suggestion for you. (more…)

Just as medical students acquire skills in science and math, people with degrees in communication have a different set of skills. They know the importance of creating effective and efficient lines of communication in the work they perform.

Here are three e-cards that explain how communication professionals think. (more…)

When I was 21 I thought I knew everything. Now that I’m “older” I look back and still think I knew quite a bit. Actually, as I work with college students, I’m often impressed at how fearless they are in terms of what they believe they know and can do–and they can. Somehow, along the way, as we age I think we become overly cautious. We learn more about what we don’t know and begin to second-guess ourselves. That’s unfortunate. I’d like to still be as fearless and “brilliant” as I was back then! Recently, I responded to a reporter’s query about “the Top 5 things” I wish I had known at 21. Here’s my list: (more…)

I love a new year. Although I realize that, technically, every day is the beginning of a new year, there’s something about the New Year that makes me both reflective and optimistic about what lies ahead. As a pretty goal-oriented person, I enjoy the process of looking back, learning, and looking forward. It’s the basis of strategic planning, after all, a personal passion of mine. Each year I spend time to commit my goals to writing and I track my progress throughout the year. I don’t achieve every goal, but I do belief that I’m more effective than I would be if I didn’t take the time to plan. I had some great successes in 2012 and a lot of very rewarding experiences–both personally and professionally. But there’s always room for improvement and, regardless of what I achieve, I always want to achieve more. So, in 2013, there are a number of things I’d like to do better: (more…)

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